News

Development Award – Finalists

Maria Paz Limpo, Area Manager for the Responsive Assistance Scheme, Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program

Bringing a smile and sincerity along with a capacity to do the hard work has helped a young Philippine woman help ease the conflict which has plagued the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Mariz Paz Limpo has applied her energy to the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) to help improve the lives of the citizens of what is one of the most impoverished areas of the Philippines.

Described by her peers and compatriots as an exceptionally caring person last year Mariz managed to get nine development projects up and running.

This is greater than all the AusAID-backed PACAP projects over the past 20 years in an area renowned for poor governance and a fragile society.

Maria’s enthusiasm and ability to galvanise her co-workers and members of the community has resulted in her being named a finalist in the inaugural HAI Development Award 2006.

 “The HAI Development Award has created a lot of interest – with staff, communities, the Philippine Government and AusAID. It is considered by staff and stakeholders to be a generous and innovative contribution,” Maria said.

“Staff now appreciate that good performance has its rewards and that significant contributions do not go unrecognized. Staff appreciate the opportunity to celebrate others success and are challenged to go the extra mile,”

Her setting up of networks has led to local governments and community organisations working with each other to achieve results which are of a clear practical nature for all those involved.

 “The achievements of Mariz and her colleagues are going a long way to improving the lives of the approximately 16 million people who make up the population of the area’s five provinces”,  said John Wurcker, HAI’s Managing Director.

She is also channelling much of her boundless energy into PACAP’s Peace Conflict and Development work.

Her colleague’s say it is because of this that it seems difficult to imagine how the projects would have worked without Mariz’s efforts.

Her labours with PACAP have gone a long way to easing the poverty which afflicts the difficult region.

“Maria travels widely in these difficult areas and, while cautious, pushes herself to maintain the essential contact between PACAP and grass roots communities,” explained David Swete Kelly, PACAP’s Program Director.

But for Mariz, it doesn’t just finish with the projects which are part of PACAP.

She is not content to just solicit proposals, and then guide the project with her compatriots.

The energetic Philippine woman has thrown herself into community projects aimed at improving the education of her people.

To make certain that separate projects would have a lasting effect Mariz has coordinated the schemes so they have a deep impact on the community.

Working with the AusAID-backed Basic Education in Mindanao (BEAM) she has ensured that the different projects throughout the region are linked.

Since first being involved with HAI in 1998 when she worked on a health project Mariz has brought a level of commitment and dedication to the job which many see as inspiring.

“Maria’s greatest strengths are to lead with modesty and by example. She does not accept work for her team without absorbing a significant proportion of the responsibility herself. Her staff are always inspired to keep up with her,” explained David Swete Kelly.

“Her total dedication to the poor communities of the Philippines is an unwavering inspiration to her team and her colleagues. She is immensely humble and never seeks the limelight.”  

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Luis Eleazar, Institutional Development Specialist - Southern Philippines Irrigation Sector Project

Farmers and government officials in the most impoverished areas of the Southern Philippines have had a hard time agreeing over water usage.

Luis Eleazar, working with the Southern Philippines Irrigation Sector Project (SPISP), backed by the Asian Development Bank, has managed to mediate agreement between the two parties regarding water use by the farming sector.

By achieving this, problems which plague the area have been greatly eased.

Luis was able to take into account the sensitivities involved in such a project and ensure an agreement on the sharing of funds generated by irrigation service fees.

Both sides rely on these funds to finance projects and so there was a demand for a fair allocation.

His ability to work with those in the agricultural industry has also led to improved capacity and skills on the part of the farmers as Luis brought together groups of farmers and had them trained in technology and management.

As a result of Luis’ success with the HAI managed SPISP, he is a finalist in the inaugural HAI Development Award 2006.

The prize includes AUD $1,000 which Luis can use in anyway he chooses.

Apart from the financial benefit Luis also sees the award as providing an incentive to his colleagues.

“Staff realised the potential benefits and opportunities the HAI Award could offer to individuals. The award will have wider application than just for myself. Project consultants and staff now understand that tangible opportunities exist for those excelling in their work,” said Luis.

Working in the troubled region, Luis applied his management skills to coordinate training in such a way that one aspect of the project which normally requires three years to complete, was finished in two years.

This was achieved without sacrificing standards which SPISP Team Leader Bob Mohammed believes has helped Luis make the finalist stage.

“Without doubt, Luis’ most positive attribute is dedication to the advancement of his country. He does his best because he desires the best for his people.”

Luis’ work has resulted in his expertise being on show at a number of international conferences.

Luis not only passes on his ideas to the farmers, but he also spends time making certain that those taking part in the project leave with the skills that enable them to go on and train their compatriots.

“Luis’s innovative use of cross-visit training has shown tangible results that have proven mutually beneficial to the groups involved,” said Bob Mohammed.

“He has shown his ability to effectively lead and manage a team and provide sensitive professional support to colleagues. These are essential attributes that should allow him to become an effective manager and leader in his professional field.”

He has demonstrated a passion for development that meaningfully exceeds the expectation of his job and contract,” said Bob Mohammed